Characterization of thermal shock and thermal fatigue behaviour of ceramics by means of laser irradiation

Ceramics with high strength have been tested by means of laser irradiation. Thermal shock figures-of-merit have been calculated from the measured temperature field at the instant of fracture. From the measured numbers to failure in thermal cycling parameters for subcritical crack propagation of natural defects have been determined. In addition to elastic effects, damage due to tensile stresses arising after stress relaxation by creep has been demonstrated.